I fought the law and I won.
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2003 1:00 pm
I finalized the purchase of a new used car on July 3rd. The seller and I went into the tag agency late in the day on the 3rd and completed the paperwork. The new registration card, and the plate were all done and sitting on the counter. Then at the last moment, the lady noticed that my liscense had "Jr" at the end of the name, while my insurance card didn't.
Rules are rules, she couldn't let me have the documentation. She let me call my insurance agent who closed in 10 minutes, but agreed to print out a revised card and fax it to the tag agency. I waited around for the fax and abuout 20 minutes went by. I gave up and left. By the time I got home, the agency called my wife and said that the fax came in and I can pick up the documents, but they close in 5 minutes. Not going to happen. I decided to wait until Monday the 6th. On the 4th we were coming back from watching fireworks and I was "rubbernecking" other fireworks as we went past. Wouldn't you know, I was pulled over by an officer on D.U.I. patrol because I was driving erratically (he said). Finding me perfectly sober, he ticketed me for driving with an expired tag. I explained the whole thing, and he was nice about it, but felt that I was still in violation. I pleaded not guilty and had my day in court last week. The judge may have been impressed with the way I presented my case, with extra copies of everything ready. I argued that the paperwork was dated on the 3rd, and that technically it was issued. I just didn't have it with me on that day. He decided in my favor. A small victory, but sweet nonetheless.
Rules are rules, she couldn't let me have the documentation. She let me call my insurance agent who closed in 10 minutes, but agreed to print out a revised card and fax it to the tag agency. I waited around for the fax and abuout 20 minutes went by. I gave up and left. By the time I got home, the agency called my wife and said that the fax came in and I can pick up the documents, but they close in 5 minutes. Not going to happen. I decided to wait until Monday the 6th. On the 4th we were coming back from watching fireworks and I was "rubbernecking" other fireworks as we went past. Wouldn't you know, I was pulled over by an officer on D.U.I. patrol because I was driving erratically (he said). Finding me perfectly sober, he ticketed me for driving with an expired tag. I explained the whole thing, and he was nice about it, but felt that I was still in violation. I pleaded not guilty and had my day in court last week. The judge may have been impressed with the way I presented my case, with extra copies of everything ready. I argued that the paperwork was dated on the 3rd, and that technically it was issued. I just didn't have it with me on that day. He decided in my favor. A small victory, but sweet nonetheless.
